Oscars 2025: Biggest Wins of the Night

Hollywood’s biggest night delivered on spectacle, surprises, and well-deserved wins. From Conan O’Brien’s sharp yet affectionate hosting debut to historic first-time winners and triumphant comebacks, the 97th Academy Awards celebrated the magic of storytelling in all its forms.

With films like “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “Wicked,” and “Emilia Pérez” leading the charge, this year’s nominations reflected a diversity of storytelling.

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Here’s a closer look at the major winners of the 2025 Oscars:

Best Picture — “Anora”

Sean Baker’s Anora took home the night’s top honour, capping off an impressive awards season run. A raw, electric mix of romance and chaos, this independent gem follows an exotic dancer (Mikey Madison) whose whirlwind Vegas marriage to a young Russian heir spirals into a frenzied, high-stakes chase through New York.

Best Director — Sean Baker for “Anora”

Sean Baker, known for his intimate, street-level storytelling, secured his first Oscar win for Anora. A filmmaker who has spent his career championing underrepresented voices (Tangerine, The Florida Project), Baker brought his signature verité style to a larger stage without losing an ounce of authenticity.

Accepting the award, he quipped, “I saved this film in the edit,” a nod to his hands-on approach to filmmaking. His win cements him as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema.

Best Actress — Mikey Madison in “Anora”

In a performance that captivated the Academy, Mikey Madison portrayed the titular character in Anora, earning her first Oscar. Her portrayal of a young woman caught between love, survival, and forces beyond her control felt raw and real—elevating the film’s emotional core. “I never thought I’d be standing here,” Madison said through tears, thanking Baker for believing in her and dedicating the award to “all the Anoras out there who are just trying to make it through.”

Best Actor — Adrien Brody in “The Brutalist”

More than 20 years after winning for The Pianist, Adrien Brody proved once again why he’s a master of subtle, deeply felt performances. As an architect rebuilding his life after World War II in The Brutalist, Brody carried the weight of history, loss, and resilience with remarkable restraint. “This film reminded me why I fell in love with acting in the first place,” he said, before dedicating his win to “all the artists fighting to create in an uncertain world.”

Best Supporting Actress — Zoe Saldaña in “Emilia Pérez”

Zoe Saldaña’s role in Emilia Pérez earned her the Best Supporting Actress award, marking a significant milestone as the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar. As the determined lawyer in the movie, she balanced strength, compassion, and quiet heartbreak. “I am floored by this honour,” she said, emotional. She dedicated the award to her grandmother, saying, “The fact that I am getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish? My grandmother, if she were here, would be so delighted.”

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Saldaña plays Rita, a lawyer who becomes entangled in the secret transition of a notorious drug lord. The film’s blend of crime, identity, and musical elements has made it one of the most talked-about projects of the year.

Best Supporting Actor — Kieran Culkin in “A Real Pain”

Kieran Culkin’s portrayal in A Real Pain earned him the Best Supporting Actor award. Known for his razor-sharp wit in Succession, Kieran Culkin brought humour to A Real Pain, a film about estranged cousins reconnecting in Poland. His performance was understated yet deeply affecting, filled with small, naturalistic moments that made his character feel lived-in. “I spent my whole career playing guys with issues. Turns out that works,” he joked in his speech, before thanking his wife and kids for keeping him grounded.

Best Original Screenplay — Sean Baker for “Anora”

Sean Baker’s original screenplay for Anora was honoured for its authentic dialogue and compelling narrative structure, further cementing the film’s impact. “This script started as a tiny idea scribbled in my notebook,” Baker said while accepting the award. “I never imagined it would lead to this moment.”

Best Adapted Screenplay — Peter Straughan for “Conclave”

Peter Straughan won Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave, a gripping thriller that dives into the secretive world of selecting a new pope. Based on Robert Harris’s novel, the film unravels the intense power struggles within the Vatican following the death of the Holy Father.

In his acceptance speech, Straughan simply said, “A huge thank you to everyone involved in making Conclave,” letting the film’s political and philosophical themes speak for themselves.

Best International Feature — “I’m Still Here” (Brazil)

Brazil’s I’m Still Here won Best International Feature, with director Walter Salles receiving a hero’s welcome in the press room. He emphasized the film’s message of hope and resilience, resonating deeply in today’s global context.

Best Animated Feature — “Flow”

Latvia’s Flow made history by winning Best Animated Feature, marking the first time a film from the country has secured an Oscar. This independent film’s victory highlights the expanding horizons of animated storytelling.

Best Documentary Feature — “No Other Land”

No Other Land, a film about Palestinians fighting to protect their homes from demolition by Israel’s military, won the Oscar for the Best Documentary Feature. The movie is a poignant exploration of complex geopolitical issues, offering viewers a profound perspective on contemporary conflicts. The collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers triumphed over Porcelain War, Sugarcane, and Black Box Diaries.

Best Original Score — Daniel Blumberg for “The Brutalist”

Daniel Blumberg’s haunting score for “The Brutalist” enriched the film’s narrative, earning him the Oscar for Best Original Score. His collaboration with director Brady Corbet was highlighted during his acceptance speech. 

Best Original Song — “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez”

Netflix’s Emilia Pérez added another trophy to its collection, winning Best Original Song for the powerful ballad “El Mal.” Composers Clément Ducol and Camille took the stage, using their acceptance speech to highlight the song’s deeper message. “This song was written to shed light on corruption,” Camille shared, emphasizing the role of music in driving social change.

Best Costume Design —Paul Tazewell for “Wicked”

Wicked's Paul Tazewell made history by becoming the first Black man to win for best costume design. "This is absolutely astounding. Thank you, Academy, for this very significant honor," said Tazewell, while accepting the award. "I'm the first Black man to receive the costume design award for my work on 'Wicked.' I'm so proud of this."

Best Makeup & Hairstyling — "The Substance"

The body-horror thriller The Substance took home the Oscar for Best Makeup & Hairstyling, a well-earned victory given its jaw-dropping transformations and eerie visual effects.

The film stars Demi Moore as an aging actress who undergoes an experimental procedure to regain her youth, leading to shocking consequences as a younger version of herself (played by Margaret Qualley) begins to take over. The film’s unsettling body modifications and grotesque imagery played a major role in its critical acclaim, and the makeup team’s win recognizes the craftsmanship behind those chilling effects.

Best Production Design — “Wicked”

The enchanting world of “Wicked” was brought to life through its exceptional production design, earning the film this prestigious award.

Best Cinematography — Lol Crawley for “The Brutalist”

Lol Crawley’s cinematography in “The Brutalist” was recognized for its visual storytelling, enhancing the film’s narrative depth.

Best Film Editing — Sean Baker for “Anora”

Sean Baker’s editing prowess in “Anora” contributed to the film’s dynamic pacing and storytelling.